Want to know what alcohol to try in South Korea?

The answer to this is simple – there is alot of alcohol to try in South Korea,, making a night out drinking with friends anything but dull. South Koreans, contrary to popular assumption, consume twice as much alcohol as Russians, so you can bet there’s a big list of tasty Korean booze to whet your whistle with. Read on for some of the best alcoholic beverages to try in South Korea;

Soju

Soju is a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage, is the epitome of Korean culture. That said, Koreans aren’t the only ones who enjoy soju — it’s the world’s most popular alcoholic beverage, believe it or not!

Many people consider soju to be a staple for a wonderful, well-rounded dinner because it goes well with a wide variety of popular Korean foods. However, before you pour your third or fourth glass, remember that soju typically contains 19-25 percent alcohol, making it far stronger than beer or wine. However, don’t be put off by this! Well-known for its distinct, sharp flavour, soju also comes in a variety of different flavours.

Because sugar is added during the distilling process, soju is slightly sweet when drunk neat, unlike other clear alcoholic beverages like gin and vodka. Even if you don’t like drinking whiskey straight, there’s a chance you’ll find soju to be pleasant to drink and convert.

Before your next dinner party, stop and pick up a bottle to discover what all the fuss is about and be sure to check out the other great soju flavors on offer! In my experience, the best soju flavor is currently peach…but this is up for debate! Let us know.

Bokbunja

A little wine lesson is in order! Wine is formed from grapes, as you probably know, and the various flavours in different varieties of wine originate from adjusting the fermentation process to accentuate other aspects of the grapes’ flavour. So, what if you replaced the grapes with a fruit like blackberries? What happens is bokbunja, a delightful beverage!

The parallels between bokbunja and wine, however, end there. Bokbunja has a substantially greater alcohol concentration than a typical glass of red or white wine; a glass of bokbunja contains 15-19% alcohol, whereas a glass of wine contains 9-16%. Bokbunja pairs well with lightly seasoned fish meals due to the intense acidity of the blackberries.

Bokbunja also has a lesser-known feature that makes it a big hit: it’s been linked to a boost in testosterone in men, making it a tasty aphrodisiac. You’ll be in for a treat if you pick up a bottle of this tart Korean alcohol the next time you’re preparing fish, crab, or octopus for your date.

Maeshilju

Are sweet dessert wines your thing? If that’s the case, Maesil-ju is the beverage for you! Maesil-ju is an extremely sweet Korean alcoholic drink made from fermented green/yellow plums and a sweetener such as light brown sugar or honey.

Its drink’s alcohol content is a respectable 14%, which means you’ll be able to drink a few glasses without falling over or crashing into walls. Even so, if you drink much more than that, you can be in for a wild night (though there’s nothing wrong with a few wild nights every now and again!).

Maesil ju isn’t recommended for dinner due of its sweetness, but a glass after dinner makes for a delicious dessert wine option. When you’re having a dinner party and want to give your guests a well-rounded dining experience, pull out some Maesil-ju. They will not be let down!

Makgeolli

Makgeolli is the first Korean alcoholic beverage, dating back considerably further than the other beverages on this list. For good reason, it’s still a favourite among Korean bars and restaurants.

Makgeolli is a sweet, tart rice wine with a hint of carbonation to bring the drink together. Makgeolli has been increasingly popular among the younger generation when served with a fruit cocktail to make it significantly sweeter. There are many different kinds of makgeolli to choose from. Some variations include additional flavours, while others emphasise the use of pure, organic components for a smooth, incomparable taste (at a slightly higher price). Shop around for your favourite makgeolli and join a ritual that is almost as old as Korea itself!

Sansachun

For nearly 400 years, Sansachun has been called a “medicinal alcohol.” Sansachun is said to be the drink to consume when you’re upset or anxious since it calms the nerves and soothes the body. Is there any kind of alcohol that is said to be good for you? Please register me!

Sansachun has long been linked to a variety of health benefits, including increasing appetite when drunk before a meal and preventing hangovers when consumed after a night of heavy drinking. Sansachun has been linked to the alleviation of more significant bodily ailments ranging from nausea to heart disease, hence it is held in high regard in Korea. Don’t be shocked if you get multiple advice to drink additional sansachun if you explain an ache or pain you’ve been having recently.

Sansachun is a mildly sour drink made from hawthorn berries that is claimed to increase hunger when drank before eating, making it a popular pre-dinner drink. When you’ve had a long day, use sansachun to unwind, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Cheongju

Cheongju literally translates to “clear liquor” in Korean, and it’s a transparent Korean rice wine. Consider it a light, mildly sweet soju. The taste difference is due to the fact that it has been fermented at least twice (rather than once). Because of the variation in the fermentation process, the result is a gentle, sweet beverage that appeals to many drinkers who find soju’s flavour to be too powerful.

Different regions of Korea manufacture different types of cheongju, each with its own distinct flavour profile and appeal. Nonsan, Gunsan, and Masan are three regions noted for producing cheongju. Cheongju (beverage) is said to be quite similar to Japanese sake, therefore if you like sake, this will be your favourite drink when you visit Korea. Make sure to sample cheongju from as many different places as possible to determine your favourite!

If you’ve tried soju and aren’t sure what all the buzz is about, try cheongju for a more relaxed sipping experience that you’ll love!

Flower Wine

If you read our article on non-alcoholic beverages, you’re already aware that chrysanthemum flowers are used to make a popular Korean tea that is both sweet and attractive. Flower wine is another Korean drink that honours flowers. After all, everything tastes better when it’s turned into an alcoholic beverage, right?

Flowers ranging from azalea to chrysanthemum to peach blooms are used to make several varieties of flower wine. As a result, the flavour profile and alcohol concentration of the many varieties might change greatly.

Regardless of which type of flower wine you choose, it’s a delectable beverage that’s unique to Korean drinking culture – you won’t find it anywhere else in the country. When you’re next in Seoul, pick up a bottle and get some floral power!

If you’d rather buy alcohol for your hotel or apartment, you have a variety of options depending on your needs. If you need something for supper in addition to your soju, you can go to a grocery store, or you can go to the next convenience store for a more limited range of alcohol. Wherever you stop, there’s a good chance they’ll sell at least a few different sorts of booze.

If you don’t have a frame of reference, learning about a culture’s cuisine and drink can be scary. Hopefully, this guide will assist you in navigating the Korean drinking scene and having a good time! Check out our article on the best bars in Seoul for locations on some of the best places to try this wonderful Korean alcoholic beverage.